NBA Rumors: Andray Blatche negotiating with Miami Heat

Andray Blatche rumors have swirled this offseason, but he still hasn’t found a home. Photo by Rob Abruzzese.

Andray Blatche Miami Heat Rumors

Andray Blatche has been without a job since he declined his $1.43 million option to stay with the Brooklyn Nets back in June, but it appears he may finally be close to landing a gig. According to Filipino sports writer T.J. Manotoc, Blatche was spotted at the airport in Spain on his way to Miami to negotiate a contract with the Heat.

There was initially a bit of confusion because Blatche also lives in Miami during the offseason, but Manotoc cleared that up.

While Blatche has struggled to find work, the one team that he has been consistently linked to has been the Heat so it makes sense that as the offseason is coming to a close the two are entering more serious negotiations. Part of the problem is that Miami can only offer him the veteran’s minimum unless they work out a sign-and-trade with the Nets and that does not appear to be happening. Still, this shouldn’t be a major road block as it doesn’t appear that Blatche has a lot of other interest.

Blatche averaged 18.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per 36 minutes last season in 73 games and seven starts with the Nets. He played for the Philippines national team during the FIBA World Cup and was quite successful as he averaged 21.2 points and 13.8 rebounds in five games. When Blatche is motivated, he’s a solid player, the problem is that he comes with so much extra baggage.

Blatche was nearly out of the league before the Nets signed him after years of antics with the Washington Wizards that ultimately ended when they benched him indefinitely and ultimately waived him using the amnesty clause. With the Nets things did not go smoothly either as he was questioned regarding a sexual assault in his hotel suite during his first year with the team and was unofficially suspended by Jason Kidd last season for lack of conditioning and too much partying last season.

The talent is there, though, and he is a good fit in Miami where he can backup Chris Bosh at center or he could even play along side him, which would allow Bosh to play power forward. The only other big men the Heat have are Chris Andersen and Josh McRoberts.

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